2018 Episcopal Blessing from His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta

Fr. Paul Lundberg and the organizing committee of the “Connect” Conference:

My Beloved Children in Christ,

“We become strong in the name of the Lord our God.” (Psalm 20)

I greet you with love and joy in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as I offer to you my best wishes and my fervent prayers for a successful second young adult conference. Truly, this gathering of Orthodox adults from the ages of 21 to 39 fulfilled a spiritual need in a group that is often mistakenly forgotten in the lives of our parishes.

This year’s theme successfully builds upon the first, as we go from “Finding Christ in Everyday Life” to “Understanding Our Purpose” as Orthodox Christians in professional, personal, and liturgical settings. Deacon Stephen Muse, and your other chosen speakers, will help all our attendees encounter Christ as we continue our search for understanding.

Therefore, I am most pleased to give my blessing to that which I am certain will not only be a productive and enlightening weekend, but a joyous opportunity for our young people to strengthen existing bonds and create new friendships with likeminded Orthodox young adults.

As you continue to gather attendees, and make final preparations, I pray that the Grace and Love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ be with you now and always, as you receive His gifts of wisdom, zeal and abundant joy! I remain,

Paternally yours with love in our Lord, 

+ALEXIOS

Metropolitan of Atlanta